Today on the MPR News Update: Musicians and management of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra have a tentative contract deal; Minnesota House Democrats propose an ambitious agenda to improve public education; real estate experts disagree on how long Minnesota home prices will continue to rise so sharply; and we visit a farm near Pelican Rapids to witness a rite of spring -- lambing season.

Tentative SPCO deal brings relief, smilesMusicians and management of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra have a tentative contract deal. The agreement came even as the SPCO board was meeting to discuss canceling the rest of its season.

No consensus on home pricesA report due today is likely to show Twin Cities home prices continuing to rise, they've jumped as much as 16 percent over the same period last year. But there's disagreement over what will happen next.

Spring means lambing season in MinnesotaWe visit a small farm near Pelican Rapids owned by the Ellison family to witness an annual rite of spring: lambing season. Be sure to check out the photo gallery.

Photos: Ice storm knocks out power in SW Minn.An ice storm has caused wide-spread power outages in southwest Minnesota. Transmission lines feeding power to the city of Worthington are down and the city has declared a state of emergency, giving officials the authority to coordinate relief efforts with state and federal agencies.

Dem, GOP senators reach gun check dealTwo key senators have reached a bipartisan deal on expanding background checks to more gun buyers, an agreement that could build support for President Barack Obama's drive to curb gun violence.

Slowing frac sand industry leaves mark on SE Minn.The southeastern Minnesota facilities that produce and process silica sand used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, were booming a year ago. But now, natural gas prices are down -- and so is the demand for the sand.

Tentative deal on immigration farm workersA tentative deal has been reached between agriculture workers and growers, a key senator said Tuesday, smoothing the way for a landmark immigration bill to be released within a week.

Obama sends Congress $3.8 trillion budgetPresident Barack Obama is sending Congress a $3.8 trillion spending blueprint that strives to achieve a "grand bargain'' to tame runaway deficits. It would raise taxes on the wealthy and trim popular benefit programs including as Social Security and Medicare.

Top Minn. baby names in 2011: Mason, OliviaThe Social Security Administration released its updated list of top baby names today to reflect the most recent data from babies born in 2011. Olivia and Mason topped the list of Minnesota baby names.

Pilot charged in alcohol incident in Mpls.An American Eagle pilot has been charged with three gross misdemeanors after authorities say he failed a blood-alcohol test as he prepared to fly out of the Minneapolis airport in January.